Let Go of Grudges - The Christian Lifestyle

Thesis: Understanding the "mercies of God" ought to produce forgiveness

There are benefits of forgiveness and negative effects of holding a grudge according to secular research.

1. The parable of the two debtors. "I will repay you everything." Matthew 18:34-35 35 "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."

2. The end of the Lord's Prayer: Mt 6:12-15

   Forgiveness is a fruit of salvation, not a requisite to be saved.
   An unforgiving spirit is a sign of not having understood and embraced the Gospel
   Caveat:
   People confuse unforgiveness with feeling the pain & stoic resilient
   Forgiveness "is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge

3. What is forgiveness in our text?

   Negatively: Do not get even
   Positively: Be a Peace-Maker
   Negatively: Do not seek revenge.
   Positively: Do good to those who oppose you.
   Keep eternity in mind: win forever by losing now.

4. Do you feel the pressure? I do!

   This is the Gospel! Love your neighbor as yourself!
   This is Jesus' New Commandment! Love one another as I have loved you.
   The commandment always has three purposes.
   -It condemns and crushes us
   -It points us to the only One who kept it and embodies it perfectly
   -It shows us the beauty of God's character and the goodness of His ways
   Jesus received insults, rejection and hatred, yet He healed the sick, fed the hungry, raised the dead and died to save His enemies.
   Do not seek revenge, be at peace, do good to all … Jesus did it for us.
   It is not a once and for all experience, but a daily, conscious decision.